Provides critical reviews of four online databases: (1) Quotations Database, available through DIALOG and CompuServe; (2) Consumer Reports, through Prodigy, CompuServe, and Nexis; (3) HealthNet, from CompuServe; and (4) encyclopedias through America Online, CompuServe, GEnie, and DELPHI. Special features of access techniques or content of the…

Compares Frame Relay with digital and analog alternatives for connecting sites on a Wide Area Network. Cost considerations, the concepts on which the technology is based, its carrying capacity, the use of CD-ROM and Graphical User Interface (GUI) on Frame Relay, and engineering bandwidth limitations are covered. (KRN)

Examines laws governing intellectual property that affect distance education. Topics addressed include copyright law, particularly the concept of fair use; traditional applications of copyright law in education, including photocopying and the Classroom Guidelines; and distance learning and copyright law, including works transmitted via…

Provides technical recommendations for wiring of college campuses to provide for current and future computer network needs, considering wiring in and between existing and new buildings. The effects of trends in networking costs are discussed. The importance of higher education's involvement and influence in various information technology issues is…

Discusses the features of America Online, a commercial online service designed primarily for use with a Macintosh computer. Several documentation guides are identified, and a step-by-step tour of the service is provided with samples of various screens in the program. (12 references/notes) (EA)

Abstracts of 25 articles and documents provide examples of the delivery of science, math, and vocational education via such media as interactive television, communications satellites, videodiscs, and electronic mail. Studies of instructional effectiveness and design issues are also represented. (SK)

Provides background on networks and describes two national networks, the Internet and BITNET. Several related topics are also addressed: convergence of BITNET and the Internet; network decentralization; a proposed comprehensive national research and education network (NREN); libraries and the proposed network; and the library of the future. A…

This proposed project would define standards to describe in machine-readable format the information needed to create electronic "books" in a standard communications format. Proposed formats (employing the MARC structure) could be used to convert printed works to electronic forms or create original works in electronic format, and thus…

Discusses problems that new information technologies have created for intellectual property concerns. Digital sampling devices used in music are described, downloading from large databases is discussed, the problems with derivative works are considered, outdated copyright laws are discussed, and ways that librarians can help protect intellectual…

Offers selections from a plan that focuses on the basics of getting telecommunications moving in schools. Gives suggestions on learning how to use telecommunications, funding for technology, and education about and promotion of telecommunications, both within the school and in the larger community. (SR)

Describes activities sponsored by some of the 28 state Centers for the Books, affiliated with the national Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, that were created to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Highlights include electronic bulletin boards, satellite conferences, and children's book fairs. (LRW)

Describes ways to make searching on the Internet easier when using dial-up access as opposed to dedicated computer terminals or workstations. Programs to make Internet directory access easier are reviewed; customizing start-up files is explained; and being familiar with communications software is discussed. (LRW)

Describes interorganizational information systems and the necessity for cooperation. Topics discussed include managerial considerations, including objectives, benefits, and resources; considerations in systems development, including telecommunications skills; considerations for users of information systems, including user needs; and considerations…

Presents the factors used to determine whether a particular use of a copyrighted work is fair use; considers the re-evaluation of fair use forced by the NII (National Information Infrastructure); and discusses universal service (i.e., access to telecommunications service for everyone) and the universal service fund. (MES)

Information technology can remove barriers of time and location, institutional requirements, and prior schooling attitudes. However, it can impose new ones such as socioeconomic inequities in access. Privately sponsored virtual learning environments tend to focus on only a narrow base of core skills and competencies. (SK)